Sanghoon Cha

Sanghoon Cha, the visionary CEO and founder of WI.Plat has dedicated over 23 years to revolutionizing water management. With an extensive career at K-water, Cha has amassed unparalleled expertise in the field of water resources management, driving innovation and efficiency in an area critical to global sustainability.
1. Professional Background and Expertise
Cha's journey in water management began with K-water, South Korea's leading water resources corporation, where he spent more than two decades honing his skills and expanding his knowledge. His work at K-water was characterized by a commitment to excellence and innovation, traits that have become hallmarks of his career. Cha's deep understanding of water management challenges and his ability to devise effective solutions have earned him recognition as a leader in the industry.
2. Founding of WI.Plat
In 2020, driven by a desire to address the inefficiencies and high dependency on experts in traditional water management technologies, Cha founded WI.Plat. The company's mission is to solve the global issue of water leakage, which wastes approximately 220 million tons of water daily. This amount could provide clean water to an additional 880 million people. Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, Cha led WI.Plat to develop NELOW (NEver LOse Water), an intelligent leakage management system leveraging AI, IoT, and cloud technologies.
Innovative Solutions and Achievements
Under Cha's leadership, WI.Plat has introduced groundbreaking products such as Sonic GL and Sonic M2 IoT sensors. These devices offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to expensive European leak detection equipment. The NELOW system, which integrates these sensors, provides real-time data collection and analysis, enabling even non-experts to identify and address water leaks efficiently. This innovation has significantly reduced the cost and complexity of water leak management.
Global Impact and Recognition
Cha's commitment to innovation and sustainability has propelled WI.Plat onto the global stage. The company has successfully completed over 300 leak detection projects in South Korea, partnering with various local water utilities. Internationally, WI.Plat has engaged in numerous projects, including in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Turkey, Peru, and Malaysia. These projects, often in collaboration with international development organizations and local governments, underscore Cha's vision of a world where water resources are managed sustainably and efficiently.